Money troubles affect us all at one point or another, but worrying about them ahead of time, when you’re not even sure if your current standard of living will go above budget, is a waste of time and energy! You’ve got better things to be focusing on. 

 

However, if you’re feeling more and more anxious about your finances at the moment, it’s important to try comforting yourself. Make sure you keep the tips below in mind if the amount of cash in the bank is getting you hot under the collar – money has a lot to do with our mental health!

 

 

Realize What’s Making You Worry

 

The first thing to do is work out what’s making you worry about money. Don’t be afraid to probe yourself here, and ask some very important questions about your finances. It’s all in the name of your mental health! 

 

So, what’s making you worry? Is it that pay cut you’ve had to take recently? Is it that new car that came with a hefty financing option? Is it your savings account? These questions are key, as once you acknowledge the worry, it won’t be powerful anymore! 

 

Work Out the Costs

 

It’s time to beat the irrational thoughts in your head by giving yourself some real numbers to hold onto. Because when you can lay out the costs you’re going to have to fork out for, let’s say, your monthly mortgage repayments, you won’t just be worrying about the uncertainty of your financial future. 

 

And with websites like MortgageCalculator.Org, you could do just that – no more panicking over huge numbers your brain can’t really handle. The principle is the same for all kinds of expenses here: take the time to punch in your income and savings, and see what you can afford, and how long it’s going to take. 

 

Then Track Your Expenses

 

Now it’s time to track your expenses. If you’re worried about your finances, just in general, having a clear picture of what’s going out of your bank account will certainly soothe those negative thoughts. You’ll be able to see what you’re paying for, down on paper, and you won’t be constantly guessing as to how much the grocery shop has cost in terms of your monthly budget. 

 

If you check your statement on a regular basis, you’ll get to know your habits, like always paying for takeaways on Fridays, or spending a little too much on bath products. Once that’s done, you’ll want to group your spending into different categories – entertainment, food, clothes, bills, etc. See where the expenses are piling up, and if some are a little too much, you’ll know what needs cutting back. And now, you have the cornerstone for a realistic budget! 

 

You need to be able to sit yourself down and work through the panic surrounding your finances. Make sure you work out what’s bothering you, and reach out to loved ones if things are getting really tough. You can do this!